________________
37
Pauma-Cariya of Vimala Sūri to fight against him. As he thinks that the two great heroes on Rāma's side would meet death as they are bound by Nāgapāśas and Bhujangapāśas he decides to withdraw from the battle-field. Taking the two heroes with them Indrajit and Meghavahana retire. Now Lakşmana is asked by Rāma to invoke the help of Mahālocana god who had promised them a boon. Laksmana appeals to that gol. The god bestows on Rama and Lakşnaņa various lores, missiles, Hala (plough) and Musala (club), chariots, etc. [ Receiving of lores (and missiles by Rāma and Lakşmaņa)] CANTO LX :
Seeing Lakşmana with Eagle as his banner the Bhujangapāśas vanished. Bhāmandala and Sugriva are set free. The warriors ask Rama how he secured such Vibhūti (superhuman power) in a moment. He replies that these are due to a boon granted by Garudādhipa. ( Reunion of Sugriva and Bhamandala (with Rāma and party) ] CANTO LXI :
In the fight Laksmana takes Indrajit captive and Rama captures Bhānukarna. Rāvana fights with Vibhişana. Lakşmana however, making Vibhişana withdraw, himself fights with Ravana. He strikes Laksmana on his chest with a deadiy Śakti (a missile) whereupon Lakşmana falls in a swoon. Rama then faces Ravana, attacks him severely; deprives him of his chariots six times. As night approaches Rāvana retires to his palace. (Hit of the Missile) CANTO LXII :
Rama is overpowered with grief on account of the grave condition of his brother Laksmana. In grief and despair he asks Sugiiva and other heroes to repair to their own country. He wishes to burn himself to death on a funeral pyre. Jämbavat comforts him. He tells him that if proper remedies are resorted to Laksmana would revive. Then the Vānaras erect three Gopuras (gates) and seven ramparts and guard the doors of that fort created by magic. [ Lamentation of Rāma (on account of his severely wounded brother) ] CANTO LXIII :
Rāvana grieves over the sad loss of his brother Bhānukarna and his sons Indrajit and Meghavahana. Sita is grieved at the sad news of Laksmana's death. But Khecaris cheer her up and tell her that it is not yet definitely known that Laksmana has expired. Then a Vidyadhara, called Candra-mandala, tells Rāma of the means of saving Lakşmaņa. Rama should obtain the ablution-water of Višalya the daughter of King Drona-megha, and sprinkle Laksmana with it so that he would be cured. The previous history of Višalya is then told; it explains how she obtained this wonderful power of effecting cure. (Description of the past lives of Visalia) CANTO LXIV :
At Rāma's instance, Bhamandala, Hanūmat and Angada go to Saketa to bring the ablution-water of Višalyā, They meet Bharata and inform him of their mission.